Xbox's new Nano controller is its smallest yet

Microsoft announced the Xbox Nano Controller on 14 October. In its Xbox Wire post, Microsoft calls it its smallest controller: a little over five inches long and 3.5 ounces (about 13 cm and 100 g), with all 18 standard inputs.

Unlike the standard Xbox pad, it has a built-in rechargeable battery instead of AA batteries. It also gets a programmable Action Button for screenshots, clips and other shortcuts, and connects over Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth. The Microsoft Store lists it as working with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10 and 11, Android and iOS, and says the USB-C charging cable is sold separately.

Pre-orders opened the same day at US$49.99. The US Microsoft Store gives a release date of 4 November, and Microsoft says it arrives during November in 36 markets, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK and the US. Local prices weren't part of the announcement.

The Verge notes that the Nano leaked earlier this year with a small screen on it, and the shipping version doesn't have one. In the US, Microsoft is also bundling it with two months of Game Pass Ultimate for new members when you buy select Samsung TVs, with a similar Meta Quest offer on the way.